How to Dance an Open Break Underarm Turn in Mambo

Mambo is a fast-paced Latin dance, so you will find that you quickly run through your repertoire of steps! The open break underarm turn is a mambo step that is very common and easy, yet it looks great. Women who like to turn generally love this pattern.When reading the instructions for this pattern, each step begins with the count for that part of the step. This is the beat you will be dancing on and how you will count it.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Latin dancing shoes with suede soles

Man's Steps

1. Land all steps in mambo with the ball of the foot first, then lower the heel.

2. Stand in closed dance position on your right foot with your left foot free. Closed dance position is the lady’s right hand in the man’s left, held at about eye level. The man’s right hand is on the lady’s left shoulder blade (under her left arm). The lady’s left hand is flat on the man’s back, just behind his shoulder. The elbows should be well in front of the body, with space between the partners.

3. Count 1: Do nothing! This count is held, so take a breath.

4. Count 2: Let go of your partner with your right hand, lower your left to her waist level and take a small step back on your left foot. Do not move your right foot.

5. Count 3: Replace the weight on your right foot.

6. Count 4: Bring your left foot slightly to the side of your right and change weight to your left, raising your left hand to your partner’s eye level (you should still be holding her right hand in your left).

7. Count 5: Do nothing! This count is held, so take a breath.

8. Count 6: Turn slightly to your right and take a small step back on your right foot while leading your partner to make a 360-degree turn to her right by making a circle around her head with your left hand (if you were looking down from above, your hand would move clockwise). Do not move your left foot.

9. Count 7: Replace your weight on your left foot.

10. Count 8: Turn slightly to your left to face your partner, bringing your right foot to your left and changing weight to the right foot. You may place your right hand on her back again or continue dancing with the one-hand hold.

Woman's Steps

11. Count 1: Do nothing! This count is held, so take a breath.

12. Count 2: Take a small step back on your right foot. Do not move your left foot.

13. Count 3: Replace your weight on your left foot.

14. Count 4: Bring your right foot slightly to the side of your left and change weight to the right foot.

15. Count 5: Do nothing! This count is held, so take a breath.

16. Count 6: Turn to your right and take a small step forward on your left foot. Do not move your right foot. Your partner will be leading you to turn by moving your arm in a circle.

17. Count 7: Turn half way around to your right and replace the weight back onto your right foot.

18. Count 8: Turn right to face your partner, bringing your left foot to your right and changing weight to your left.

Tips & Warnings

• Consult your physician before starting any new physical activity.

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